The Institute of Experimental Hematology at the Hannover Medical School in Hannover, Germany, is offering a Ph. D. position in the context of the DFG-funded research project titled “Characterization of functional ­heterogeneity in a mouse model of Hoxa9/Meis1 dependent acute myeloid leukemia through fluorescent genetic barcoding”.

Our group is interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms that control the behavior of leukemic stem cells (LSC) in an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model. This disease is characterized by low overall survival rates, presumably due to the inefficiency of clinically-approved drugs to eradicate the disease-driving LSC population. To better understand LSC behavior during disease progression and therapy failure, we recently employed a new retrovirus-based labeling approach for the comparative analysis of cell features in murine AML (Maetzig et al, Mol Ther 2017 and Maetzig et al, Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2017), which identified LSC populations with different phenotypic marker repertoires. Building on our previous studies, the Ph. D. candidate will investigate the potency of various LSC populations for transmitting the disease and for escaping therapy by utilizing transplantation experiments. Gene expression profiling will be used for the identification of leukemia-essential gene candidates, and their therapeutic potential will be assessed by pharmacologic and genomic (e.g., shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9) intervention strategies.

Your profile:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a life sciences degree as well as a strong interest in leukemia biology and translational research. The applicant should have experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, molecular cloning and animal experimentation. Knowledge in the analysis of gene expression data would be an asset.

What we offer:

We offer a vibrant research environment embedded within the REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence with access to state-of-the-art research facilities (flow cytometry, animal house, cell culture and molecular biology), a team of dedicated researchers and diverse national and international collaborations. Currently, our institute ­employs around 15 Ph. D. and master students working on various projects in the context of gene and cell therapy. The initial contract (TV-L 50 %) is limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension, and the selected applicant should ideally start working by April 1, 2018.

MHH is an equal opportunity employer and thus strongly encourages the application of women. The application of severely disabled individuals will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification. For questions regarding the position as well as for the submission of your complete application (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, university diploma and contact details for two referees), please contact ­­ Dr. Tobias Maetzig, until 11.03.2018.